Anxiety and Chiropractic Treatments: How They Help

Spring is in the air, and gardeners everywhere are starting to push seeds into the ground. Unfortunately, many of these gardeners will experience back pain this spring, thanks to the many hours they spend hunched over their growing plants. Gardening does not have to cause back pain, and by following these three tips, you can keep your back in good shape. No longer will you have to choose between a pain-free back and pretty flowers.

Visit your chiropractor regularly.

When your back is properly aligned, you should be able to bend over and tinker in the garden without pain. Unfortunately, most people's backs are not properly aligned, thanks to sedentary jobs and poor posture. Your chiropractor can adjust your spine, so that there is less stress on the muscles and ligaments in your back when you do bend over in the garden.

The best time to have your back adjusted is a few days before you start working in the garden. This way, your body has a few days to adapt to your newly repositioned spine before you start putting additional strain on it. At your first visit, your chiropractor will tell you how often you should return for readjustments.  Depending on your lifestyle, age, and overall health, you may be asked to return as often as once a week, or as infrequently as every few months.

Take frequent breaks to ensure your posture does not suffer.

When you first bend down to tend to your garden, your muscles are feeling strong and are able to support your body in a proper position. As you become fatigued, you begin slumping over with poor posture. This puts additional strain on your back as you garden. To prevent the poor posture that leads to back pain, take breaks from bending over every 15 minutes or so. Get up and water some hanging baskets, or go into the garage and neaten your gardening tools. You'll return to the garden refreshed and better able to maintain good posture.

Perform back-strengthening exercises throughout the gardening season.

The stronger the muscles in your back, the longer you'll be able to garden without pain. Ask your chiropractor to recommend specific exercises for you, based on the current condition of your back. One simple back-strengthening exercise to try is called the Prone Cobra. Lie on your front with your arms at your sides. Then, raise your chest off of the ground by contracting your back muscles. Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds, and then lower your chest back towards the ground.

If you want to have an exciting spring and summer of gardening, then you must be proactive about preventing back pain. Visit your chiropractor, incorporate breaks into your gardening routine, and start doing back exercises regularly. Your garden will look gorgeous, and your back will feel great, too. To find out more, contact a company like Smith Chiropractic.